Publisher's Summary

The slightly ridiculous tragicomic odyssey of Joe Perk, a young Jewish man who doesn't know it; a man alone: inarticulate, simple-hearted and naive. Joe is "a coffee-whisperer" whose amazing talent for pulling the perfect cup of java propels him from small town Oklahoma to New York City to realize his dream: to become a world champion coffee barista. Along the way Joe stumbles in and out of the lives of Cliff, his cruel half-brother; Miguel, a farmhand with a secret coffee bean; Cappuccino, the lovely coffee shop owner in trouble; Lou, the diner-owner with dyslexia; Graydon Froth, the evil CEO of Big Brew coffee; Macchiato, reigning barista champ - and Shakes, the mysterious homeless man who imparts to Joe the knowledge of "The Way of the Bean": the cosmic java force that can give Joe the power needed to make him a coffee-making superstar.

Story

Laughed so hard, coffee came out my nose!

I must admit, books on tape have never been my cup of tea -- but then again, neither has tea.

This, though, this is coffee! And like Joe Perk, the well-intentioned, unassuming hero of this delightful caffeinated tale, author Jim Yoakum really knows how to serve it up!

It's the story of good versus evil, a pure cup versus the corporate corrupt, a modern day David and Goliath. With a twist!

The story percolates, the aroma permeates, and suspense follows close on the heels of Joe's innocence as he feels his way into the great unknown. From working the ground on the failing family farm (and his failing family) in rural Oklahoma to working 'the grounds' as he vies for the coveted title of Barista Champ at the big competition in the Big Apple. Will Joe Perk succeed, or will his own naivety nix all his hopes and dreams? The latter I would say, in all probability!

The complexity of the characters, like their very names (Cappuccino, Macchiato, Froth, Shakes, Joe Perk) seem to evoke the essence of the coffee bean. Some are bold, intense and robust, others smooth and more balanced. And then there's the sweet and refined. (Will Joe mess up his chances with her?!) It's a path and plot unpredictable, and sure to awaken the senses at every step of the way.

The author is well versed in the coffee culture and uses its vernacular to great comic effect and timing. From the story's slightly bitter first impressions (Can you taste that, at the tip of the tongue?) to its nice smooth finish (Yes, that's right, back of the tongue, on the pallet!) you'll find yourself laughing out loud throughout. I know I did!

I look forward to more of Jim Yoakum's books on tape as, great thing is, they're all "digital" these days! So no more stretching out that narrow tape from its cartridge, holding it up to the light and trying to read the words. I could never see 'em! Special kudos goes out to Tim Halligan, narrator of Joe Perk, for reading the tape to me!

Elevates coffee comedy to a new level

Ridicules Starbucks, reality shows and more all at the same time. Tim halligan provides a brilliant narration. A wonderfully rich and captivating voice that delivers multiple characters and will leave you laughing many times throughout the story. I truly enjoyed listening to this story and got some strange looks sitting in the car alone laughing as I drive down the highway. Highly recommend this story to anyone who wants a light chuckle. I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

My favorite cup o'Joe!

A wonderful romp in a coffee cup. This is such a fun tale- part farce, part romance- filled with mistaken identities, sneaky doings & missed encounters laced with arcane knowledge of coffee culture. Drama ensues as the evil Big Coffee (hmm, who could that be?) seeks to undermine a tiny independent in a grand coffee challenge contest & the hero is a barista! It's a frothy tale & delightful to listen to as I sip my cafe au lait!

Perfect

This story weaves ironic humor and coincidence in a postmodern manner, creating a humorous adventure that touches on darkness and the possible. It is fun and it leaves a lingering storyline with characters that remain with you. Definitely have a listen or a read.